Ledley King sits out training as he awaits scan results with World Cup future in doubt

Monday 14 June 2010 10:14 BST

Wait: Ledley King (centre) with Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney

Ledley King is being monitored on a "day-to-day basis" as he awaits results of a scan on a groin injury that could rule him out of the World Cup.

The centre-half briefly appeared at training here this morning as Fabio Capello addressed the squad but quickly left with Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole to pursue a programme of swimming and gym work.

Rooney sat out training after picking up a knock on the ankle during Saturday's 1-1 draw with the United States but a Football Association official insisted the striker's injury is "not serious".

Cole was also excused the main session because, having missed the climax to the domestic season with an ankle injury, he takes longer to recover after matches.

However, the Chelsea left-back and Manchester United's Rooney are expected to train tomorrow.

An FA spokesman confirmed: "Ledley has a groin muscle strain. He will be assessed on a day-to-day basis."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believes the prognosis on King, who has already been ruled out of Friday's clash with Algeria, is bleak. He said: "I spoke to our physio last night, Wayne Diesel. Wayne is out in South Africa, he's gone over there to be around the England camp.

"I don't think we'll see Ledley again if he's struggling to play. They are getting the result back from the scan today, but if there's a tear in the groin that would make it difficult for him.

"That's the problem for him, when you don't train and have to play at that top class level you're going to pick up injuries."

Gareth Barry, an unused sub on Saturday, took part in passing drills with coach Stuart Pearce as England's backroom staff monitor the Manchester City midfielder's recovery from an ankle problem.

David Beckham was involved in the warm up but watched on from the sidelines with the coaching staff once full training began.